Glenrothes man receives award from broadcaster Alistair Campbell

Arthur Lawson, a 25 year old wheelchair-user from Glenrothes, has been recognised for his work inspiring and helping other young disabled people, at a ceremony at the House of Commons.

The Kidz Unlimited ‘Celebrating Achievement’ Awards recognised the skills, talent and achievements of the charity’s Ambassadors and volunteers around the UK.

Arthur was presented the Young Campaigner of the Year award by political aide, broadcaster and author Alistair Campbell.

Arthur has attended both the Edinburgh and Glasgow Ambassador Clubs over the years – part of a Whizz-Kidz run scheme that supports young people to build their confidence, learn new skills, and campaign on local issues important to them.

Arthur - who has also recently become a Whizz-Kidz Young Leader - campaigns at a national level in Scotland as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. His role as Vice Convener of the Equalities Committee brings disability issues to influential decision makers, while challenging assumptions about disabled people amongst other young people. His campaigning spirit has encouraged many disabled young people to join Whizz-Kidz using his own initiative.

Arthur said: “Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. Get out there and prove them wrong. If you believe it – then you can achieve it.”

The awards event took place in front of an audience of MPs, young people, invited guests and members of the Whizz-Kidz family, and is believed to be the first event streamed live from the House of Commons, allowing audiences to follow the action online.